On August 31, 2019, a gunman opened fire at a mall in El Paso, Texas, killing nine people and injuring seven more. The shooting took place at the Cielo Vista Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the city.
The Shooting
The gunman, identified as 21-year-old Patrick Crusius, entered the Walmart store located inside the mall and began shooting indiscriminately. He was armed with an AK-47-style rifle and had multiple magazines of ammunition.
According to witnesses, the shooter was targeting Hispanic shoppers. The attack is being investigated as a hate crime.
The Victims
Among the victims were six Mexican citizens who were visiting the United States. They were identified as Sara Esther Regalado, Adolfo Cerros Hernández, Jorge Calvillo García, Elsa Mendoza de la Mora, Gloria Irma Márquez, and María Eugenia Legarreta Rothe.
The other three victims were Americans: Raul Flores, Jr., who was at the store with his wife and daughter, Alexander Gerhard Hoffman, and Angie Englisbee.
The Suspect
After the shooting, the suspect surrendered to police without incident. He was taken into custody and charged with capital murder. The FBI is also investigating the shooting as a possible case of domestic terrorism.
Crusius is believed to have written a manifesto before the shooting, which was posted online. The document is filled with racist and anti-immigrant sentiments and cites the Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand as inspiration.
The Aftermath
The shooting has left the community in shock and mourning. Hundreds of people attended a candlelight vigil to honor the victims and show support for their families.
Businesses in the mall were closed for several days following the shooting, and some stores have decided to close permanently. The Walmart where the shooting took place will be renovated and reopened at a later date.
The Response
The shooting has reignited the debate over gun control in the United States. Many politicians and activists have called for stricter gun laws, while others have argued that the issue is not about guns but about mental health and societal problems.
President Donald Trump visited El Paso in the aftermath of the shooting, but his visit was met with controversy. Many residents and officials criticized him for his divisive rhetoric and his lack of action on gun control.
Conclusion
The Texas mall shooting was a tragic event that has left a lasting impact on the community. The victims will be remembered and honored, and the city of El Paso will continue to heal and move forward.
Related video of Texas Mall Shooting Updates: 9 Dead, Including Alleged Gunman, 7 Hospitalized
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